MARGARET BELL
Grade 4 Teacher
Kathleen H. Ryerson Elementary School
Voice Mail: 7164
Email: bellp@madison.k12.ct.us
Updated September 2008

Welcome to Fourth Grade!

August 2008

Dear Parents and Students,

I hope this letter finds you in the midst of an exciting and relaxing summer! It’s hard to believe that it’s already that time again. My name is Mrs. Bell and I’m going to be your fourth grade teacher this year. As you read this, I am probably outside catching the last of the summer’s rays! I am very excited to meet each of you and trust after enjoying your break, you’re ready to start a fabulous new year!

        My summer has been restful and relaxing. This year we went to Cape Cod on vacation and enjoyed golfing, biking and going to the beach. We went on a whale watch and the whales were incredible. I live in Madison with my husband and two children, Ryan, 13 and Connor, 11. Some of my favorite hobbies are baking, gardening and reading. This summer I have been reading lots of great books that I can’t wait to share with you and hope you will enjoy too! In fact, please bring the chapter book you are reading with you on the first day of school. You will have time to read on your own during the day. I will also have the chapter book I am reading with me. I think you will like fourth grade as much as I do. You will get to conduct science experiments with each of the 4th grade teachers, learn how to research all sorts of fascinating topics, write wonderful stories, read some great books and have fun in math.

        If you have any time before the summer comes to an end, please write to me at school, or send me an email at bellp@madison.k12.ct.us. I would love to hear all about you, your summer, your interests, or even some questions you have about fourth grade.

So you can be prepared for our first day together, here is a checklist of fourth grade materials you may want to bring:

√ Glue stick for your use

√ Markers OR colored pencils OR crayons

√ Expo dry erase markers (3 or 4 fine tip) you will be using these with whiteboards at your desk

√ 1 picture of something fun you did over the summer!

√ 1 vinyl folder for homework

√ Package of pencils sharpened

√ 1 blue or black pen & 1 red pen

supplies √ 1 Coffee can (regular size) for a project we will be doing the first week of school. This will be a place to keep all of your pencils and stuff, so there is no need to buy a pencil box or case.

You will not need a loose leaf binder or trapper for school. Instead, I will give you a colorful folder for each subject. We simply do not have the space in our desks for binders and they can get in our way as we move around our classroom to enjoy different activities.

The Open House is on August 27th at 2:15 and I hope to see you there. Until then enjoy the rest of your summer! I can’t wait to meet you all!

Your Teacher,
Mrs. Bell